MLB: Five closers already on the hot seat in 2016

Apr 20, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Detroit won the game 3-2. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Detroit won the game 3-2. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
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Shawn Tolleson (Texas Rangers)

Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

Shawn Tolleson has nailed down five saves in six opportunities so far (and he went 35-for-37 in save chances a year ago) but it hasn’t exactly been pretty. In six innings, the 28-year-old right-hander has surrendered six runs on nine hits.

It’s worth noting that five of those runs came in Tolleson’s second appearance of the season, when blew a save against the Mariners while failing to record an out. However, he has still looked hardly automatic, allowing four hits over his next five frames while striking out just two.

The Rangers also have an enticing option waiting in the wings in Sam Dyson. After posting a 2.63 ERA in 75.1 innings last year, Dyson has maintained his high level of effectiveness into 2016. Over eight innings, he has allowed just one run on five hits while striking out eight.

Next: Santiago Casilla